How to Legally Change Your Name in California
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in California is filed in the Superior Court (Civil) and costs about $435–$485 (typical $435, varies by county). In California, you must publish a notice in a newspaper, and most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
California Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
California name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against California Superior Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Superior Court (through the divorce judgment or Form FL-395) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Superior Court (Civil) | $435–$485 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Minor child | Superior Court (Civil) | $435–$485 | Required | 6–12 weeks |
| Gender identity | Superior Court (Civil) | $0–$435 | Required (waivable) | 4–10 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Superior Court (through the divorce judgment or Form FL-395)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$435–$485 · Superior Court (Civil)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$435–$485 · Superior Court (Civil)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$0–$435 · Superior Court (Civil)
The California name-change process
Most legal name changes in California that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Superior Court (Civil). You file where you live — Superior Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $435–$485 (typical $435, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
After you file, you publish a legal notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–12 weeks.
If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Waivable with Form FW-001; the fee waiver does NOT cover the separate newspaper publication cost. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.
For a name change to match your gender identity, California treats it more privately: California does NOT require newspaper publication for a name change to conform to gender identity, and records may be kept confidential..
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your California driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
California name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in California?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in California?
How long does a name change take in California?
Which court handles name changes in California?
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in California?
What do I do after my name change is approved in California?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/name-change
- selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce
- selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/name-change/adults
- selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/name-change/minors
- selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/name-change/gender
- www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.